Pune: A team at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, employed capsule endoscopy to diagnose a case of gastrointestinal bleeding in a 73-year-old patient who presented with severe symptoms, including melena (dark, tarry stools), hypotension, and fatigue.

Despite having no previous digestive complications, the patient had experienced a gradual loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss in recent months.

On admission, routine blood tests revealed a dangerously low hemoglobin level of 5.6 g/dL, indicating significant internal bleeding.

After initial treatment stabilized his hemoglobin level to 7.4 g/dL, it later dropped to 6.6 g/dL, requiring further investigation to determine the cause.

The diagnostic approach began with gastroscopy, which eliminated upper gastrointestinal issues, and colonoscopy, which found altered blood in the colon and terminal ileum but did not pinpoint the bleeding source. A CT angiography of the abdomen also failed to yield conclusive results.

Considering the patient’s critical condition, the doctors decided to use capsule endoscopy, an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic tool allowing full visualization of the small intestine, an area often difficult to assess with traditional methods.

The patient ingested a capsule containing a small camera, which captured images across the gastrointestinal tract over 12 to 14 hours, transmitting them to an external recording device.

Following the procedure, Dr. Mangesh Borkar, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, commented, “The capsule endoscopy revealed ulcers in the jejunum and ileum responsible for the patient’s bleeding.

This precise diagnosis enabled us to develop a targeted treatment plan that significantly improved the patient’s health. He responded well to the treatment and was discharged within five days.”

Parameswar Das, Hospital Director, added, “At Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, we remain committed to integrating the latest technological advancements for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

The successful use of capsule endoscopy in this case reflects our dedication to patient-centered care and advancing healthcare standards in our community.”